National Wild And Scenic River Swan River
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
The Swan River, located in the state of Montana, is a designated National Wild and Scenic River known for its stunning scenic views and recreational opportunities.
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Summary
One of the main attractions of the river is its clear, cold water, which is ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating. The river is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, elk, and grizzly bears.
The Swan River offers several points of interest for visitors, including the Swan River National Wildlife Refuge, which is a popular spot for birdwatching and hiking. Other notable destinations include the Holland Lake and Seeley Lake, which offer great opportunities for camping and fishing. Visitors can also explore the nearby Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, which is one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States.
Interesting facts about the Swan River area include its history as a site for logging and mining, and its role in providing habitat for threatened and endangered species. The river is also home to several Native American tribes, including the Salish and Kootenai tribes.
The best time of year to visit the Swan River depends on the visitor's preferences and interests. Summer is a popular time for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping, while fall offers stunning autumn foliage and hunting opportunities. Winter is ideal for skiing and snowmobiling, while spring brings wildflowers and migratory birds.
In conclusion, the National Wild and Scenic River Swan River in Montana offers visitors a unique outdoor experience with its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities. With its rich history and cultural significance, it is a destination worth exploring throughout the year.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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